House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT) today issued the following statement in response to the President’s remarks in New Orleans:

“The White House has held fast to its mantra that a tragedy is a terrible thing to waste.  Burning plenty of carbon-emitting fuel as Air Force One travels to New Orleans, the President has hijacked the 10 year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina in order to prop up his propagandist climate creed.

“The President’s climate plan is a hurricane of regulations that disproportionately harms underprivileged communities and those who suffered the most from Hurricane Katrina. These folks don’t have the money to pay for the skyrocketing energy costs which, make no mistake, is the end game of Obama’s climate legacy.

“If successful, the President’s climate legacy will effectively shut down America’s offshore energy industry, which is absolutely vital to the survival of New Orleans and the Gulf.  It’s appalling that the President has the arrogance to come to New Orleans and demonize the industry that supports the livelihoods of so many Louisianans from the bully pulpit.”

The Committee will be holding an oversight hearing in New Orleans on “The Impacts of Federal Policies on Energy Production and Economic Growth in the Gulf” on September 15. Click here for details.